Ramu River, PNG
19th/Early 20th Century

This is an ancient, well used mask from the region around the mouth of the Ramu River. It is dominated on the forehead by a lizard, beautifully rendered. The mask itself is strong and impressive. The eyes would once have had pearlshell eyes. There is a little deterioration on the upper left side at the back, which is quite stable, and does not detract from the piece. It has all the attributes of 19thC, but certainly after the German arrival as it is steel cut; this is why I suggest 19th/early 20thC.